Hi, I am 16-year-old boy who was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in January 2026.

I love sport and was playing football when I started experiencing mild chest discomfort, feeling more out of breath than usual. After a chest x-ray at York hospital, followed swiftly by a CT scan, I found myself in Leeds LGI Children's Oncology Ward 31 within 24 hours, facing the reality of a cancer diagnosis. The fear and uncertainty during that time were overwhelming for both me and my family.

However, the incredible staff at the hospital made all the difference. They introduced us to The Candlelighters Trust, whose support transformed my initial two-week stay into a more manageable experience. They provided a personal Xbox at my bedside, arranged for takeaway pizza deliveries, and offered hand and foot massages during my most painful moments. My parents were also supported with ready meals so they could focus on being there for me without worrying about their own food options.

The Candlelighters Trust has created a wonderful pavilion room outside the ward where families can gather to play games, watch television, and take some time away from the hospital environment. Their parent kitchen is stocked daily with tea, coffee, cereals, and bread—providing a space for adults to connect and share their experiences. Each time I visit the hospital for chemotherapy or other procedures, the Candlelighters staff give me different coloured beads that symbolise the stages of my cancer journey. I intend to make these into a piece of framed artwork to document my journey when I have finished my treatment in 2 years time.

Today, I am reaching out to you with an ask: please consider supporting The Candlelighters Trust as they continue to provide essential services for families like mine facing similar challenges. Our target is £1,000 GBP to help ensure that no family has to face this journey alone. Your generosity can make an incredible impact on those in need.